tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160686962065903146.post1043112997876533784..comments2023-05-22T00:33:09.869-07:00Comments on Bess' Bag: Mirror, Mirror...-Bess-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04986982429700302555noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160686962065903146.post-58783862589972046282013-07-11T07:59:46.780-07:002013-07-11T07:59:46.780-07:00Oh, my. I have tears in my eyes. I needed to read ...Oh, my. I have tears in my eyes. I needed to read this today.<br /><br />I definitely struggle with my image. I feel very plain most days, compared to the other girls around me. When I look in the mirror, I often pick apart my appearance. One thing that I'm self-conscious of is that I have braces and hearing aids. From 6th grade to 9th grade (when I moved to a new school) I was so self-conscious of my hearing aids that I never wore my hair up in a pony tail. I always made sure that my hair completely covered my ears. I was literally terrified that kids would tease me and no one would want to be my friend.<br /><br />Fortunately, during high school I was blessed with some amazing Christian friends who encouraged me with God's truth. They reminded me that I am made in the image of God. I now wear my hair up with confidence, realizing that what's inside is much more important. Yes, I've overheard a few rude people whisper and point to my hearing aids, but it's also been a great opportunity to reach out to others. Since then, I've met several other young people who wear hearing aids or have other "special needs". We've been able to encourage each other and remind each other of God's truth and love for us. <br /><br />I'm still not 100% comfortable with my appearance and I struggle with it on a daily basis. To answer your question of what helps me, I would say just smiling at others and being friendly. This past year I focused on smiling and making friends with a diverse group of people at my school (the outcasts AND the popular kids...because I believe there are people hurting in both groups). I didn't realize how much of a difference my actions had made until I was voted prom queen this spring. I was shocked, to say the least. I immediately knew it was not because I'm "gorgeous" in society's sense of the word, but because God has transformed my life and given me a deep love for every student in my school. I may never feel completely beautiful on the outside, but I know that what's inside is sooo much more important. <br /><br />To close this very long post, I'm going to say this. Bess, you are seriously one of the most beautiful people I know. I have never even seen your face before, but your posts and your sweet comments show me that you have an incredible heart. I wish I could meet you in person and tell you how much of a difference your words have made in my life. <br /><br />You are amazing! <3Gabriellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14827129510315418687noreply@blogger.com